Here are some pictures of Samantha's first day.
OK, now I saved the most hilarious picture for last. This was an unbelievable fluke shot--she's not really smiling yet, of course. We have got a lot of laughs out of it. Maybe Samantha forgot, just for a millimoment, that she was supposed to act like a baby and blew her cover. Apparently, she knows something we don't.
We are grateful to the Lord for answering many prayer in the safe birth of Samantha. She was born at one this morning, June 16; she was 8lb 14oz and 20'' long. The main part of labor went beautifully (Dana is amazing!). But when it came to the end, Samantha's head was turned sideways and it took longer than usual. Finally, we were told that if she didn't come out soon, she would have to have a c-section. Dana basically had two more pushes to try. And she did it! (with help from the Dr. turning her head and pulling her out). Thank you Carrington, Dr. Womack, and all the nurses! It was a stressful exit, the cord was around her neck, and she swallowed some fluid, so she had trouble breathing at first. Her first couple of hours were in the nursery. But she recovered quickly, returned to us, and nursed like she knew what she was doing!
We named her Samantha Rubie because Dana's Granddaddy's name was Sam and both of our Grandmothers' names were Rubie (or Ruby).
Happy Anniversary to Dana and me! I am so grateful to have a faithful, capable, beautiful, motherly, homemaking, hospitable, organized, loving, ministry-partnering, good-cooking wife.
We finished building our movable chicken coop yesterday. It is made out of PVC pipe, a little re-bar, some wood reinforcement, chicken-wire, and a tarp. It houses up to around 25 chickens and is light weight so that it can be moved each day. So in addition to their feed, they get fresh grass and bugs all the time. A friend of mine designed the coop and sent me instructions on how to build it. The kids did a great job helping me build it. Our little chickens moved into it yesterday and seem to be happy. So far, so good.
Bethany turns 11 today. She is growing into a charming, beautiful, strong, intelligent, helpful young lady. (I especially like this picture of her).
We have been asked from time to time how are chicks are doing (more specifically "Are they still alive?"). We are glad to report that all 24 chicks are still alive and rapidly moving into chickenhood. Here a picture of them about a week ago.
A unrelated, random update: Over the winter Caleb started digging a hole in our garden. By the time Spring hit, it was deep enough for him to stand in!
Happy Mother's Day to Dana! I am so grateful to have a wife who loves to have and care for children. She is doing a great job! Here is a picture of her with her seven children (one born in three weeks!).
Nathaniel turns four.
Bethany's first piano recital.